The continued saga, how IAS officer Sachin Rana has succeeded in revolutionizing Education in East Kameng, is inspiration for many bureaucrats.
IAS officer Sachin Rana is leading a transformative shift in education in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Kameng district, replacing rote learning with hands-on STEM labs where students design, experiment, and innovate.
From Traditional Classrooms to Advanced STEM Labs
For years, government school students in East Kameng relied on textbook-based rote learning, with little opportunity for practical application. Recognizing this gap, Sachin Rana, a 2015-batch IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre, took decisive action. Under his leadership, four innovation labs and one language lab were established across the district, providing students access to 3D printers, robotics kits, coding software, and scientific models—all designed to transform theoretical knowledge into hands-on learning.
“When we arrived in Arunachal Pradesh, we realized that many educational resources available elsewhere were missing here. Our goal was to change that. We developed nearly 180 projects aligned with the curriculum, ensuring that students not only learn concepts but also gain hands-on skills,” Rana shared in an interview.
Encouraging Creativity Through Experiments
Walking into one of these labs is like stepping into a world where science comes alive. Shelves lined with engineering tools, posters breaking down complex systems, and life-sized models of the human body, planetary systems, and electronic circuits create an engaging environment. In Doimukh, high school students bring their designs to life using 3D printers, while in Balijan, younger students explore DNA models to understand genetics.
This experiential learning approach is reshaping how students engage with education. Instead of memorizing formulas, they are designing, testing, and refining projects, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“We ensured that these labs provide a space where students don’t just read about science but experience it,” says Rana. “They now have the opportunity to analyze data, create prototypes, and solve real-world problems.”
Overcoming Challenges in a Remote Region
Establishing these labs in a geographically challenging district was no small feat. The biggest obstacle was sourcing high-quality equipment in an area with limited infrastructure.
“Finding a vendor in Arunachal Pradesh who could provide international-standard tools was one of our biggest challenges,” Rana revealed.
Despite logistical hurdles, the project was successfully implemented, ensuring that students from Class 6 to 12 could benefit. The initiative went beyond just providing equipment—it also trained teachers to effectively integrate these tools into daily lessons.
National Recognition and Future Expansion
The impact of this initiative has been profound. In recognition of his efforts, Sachin Rana received the Excellence in Governance Award 2024 from The Indian Express in the category of Innovative Education. However, for him, the true reward lies in transforming the learning experience for thousands of students.
“This is just the beginning,” Rana says, “Over 50,000 such labs will be created across the country this financial year. Our goal is to ensure that no child is left behind when it comes to quality education.”
Thanks to Sachin Rana’s vision, students in East Kameng are no longer just passive learners—they are creators, innovators, and problem-solvers, shaping the future of Arunachal Pradesh one experiment at a time.
